Two studies, involving 11 teachers and 195 gifted students, found that interactive writing between teachers and gifted students can promote collaborative learning. Teachers did not spontaneously journal with students in ways most conducive to this mode of learning but learned to use interactive, collaborative discourse functions when shown proper…

A survey of 158 Pennsylvania elementary teachers who had experience including children with disabilities in general classrooms found that special and general educators reported similar levels of need for resources, but special educators reported greater availability of resources. A high percentage of respondents reported a need for training, and a…

Four college and university programs for development of nonacademic staff are described: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of Illinois at Chicago, Columbia University (New York), and Maricopa County Community College (Arizona). The programs illustrate different structures, focuses, and activities. (MSE)

One way to develop administrators who are comfortable and innovative with technology is principal-to-principal training through fellow administrators who are using technology effectively. Support and encouragement of the district includes purchasing the needed hardware and ongoing staff development. (MLF)

Reviews products and services that are resources for staff development for educators. New offerings range from "do-it-yourself" kits to on-site workshops, from product-specific workbooks to Internet sites. The selection process should include costs and how the products and services complement a district's technology plan. (AEF)

Discusses the importance of assessing camp staff attitudes, the nature of attitudes, and how attitudes are formed. Recommends Likert scales as effective in measuring the direction and strength of an attitude, identifying the object of an attitude, and detecting how an attitude was formed. Provides guidelines for developing a Likert scale and…

Provides a rationale for the shift from textbook to thematic instruction in middle schools. Describes a six-session staff development model for thematic instruction that covers the utility and applicability of this approach, development of thematic units, use of literature in such units, assessment of student progress, and implementation of…

Notes the importance of outdoor play to the early childhood curriculum. Explores the purpose and nature of playgrounds, and presents a staff development model based on playground contents, safety, and functions. Also notes some playground problems teachers can avoid with close observation. (HTH)

Offers suggestions for meeting the schooling needs of homeless students. Discusses who should begin the process, how momentum can be maintained, the role of staff development, and parental involvement. (SR)

A model of ongoing consultation was effectively implemented in a community group home for eight adults with severe and profound mental retardation. Two consultants taught staff members to use a token reinforcement system, engage clients in a variety of activities, and improve staff interactions with clients. (Author/DB)

Describes a study conducted at an annual staff development conference to determine the needs of professional staff developers in British higher education. An overview of the research strategy, which was based on an action research model, is provided; the ranking of needs areas is discussed; and needs statements with justifications are appended.…

Comparison of 1983-84 state survey of mandated staff development with a current study shows that, although state support for education has significantly increased, funding for staff development has not. No correlation was found between per-pupil expenditures and funding for mandatory staff development. (SK)

Identifies some issues emerging from Barnet College's involvement in the United Kingdom's National Pilot appraisal Scheme for Further Education. Explores varying perceptions of both appraisers and appraisees, focusing on individual staff member and special interest group reactions. Only 14 percent of staff surveyed felt that the process was…

Evaluation of the self-monitoring of instructional decisions by three instructors in a continuing education program for adults with severe mental retardation found initial inconsistent adherence to the data-based rules for making instructional decisions, which was successfully modified by an individual training session in which participants…

Presents a 10-question instrument to help school leaders interview and select outstanding school personnel directors. The questions and responses cover prospective candidates' basic skills and required attributes; knowledge of roles and functions; communication abilities; teacher recruitment and orientation strategies; staff motivation and…